Netanyahu Defies Israeli Court and Global Pressure as Gaza War Sparks Political Collapse

Watan-Israel’s Supreme Court delivered a fresh blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by ruling against the legality of dismissing Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and shielding his replacement. The court emphasized that Bar’s loyalty must lie with the public—not the prime minister. Just an hour later, Netanyahu responded in kind, effectively slapping down the court and the entire “deep state,” dismissing all domestic and global appeals to end the war on Gaza.

This came during a press conference where Netanyahu delivered a populist, demagogic speech filled with lies and misdirection. He revealed his intent to continue the war and massacre in Gaza despite international condemnation and veiled threats, with the U.S. remaining conspicuously silent. He also hinted at the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran.

In a speech marked by manipulation, denial, and conspiracy theory, Netanyahu absolved himself and his government of massive failures and shockingly blamed the military and intelligence services. He even suggested, conspiratorially, that there may have been Israeli collusion with Hamas during the October 7 “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation—mocking Gazans for invading “wearing slippers and carrying rifles and sandals.”

Although Netanyahu reportedly led the operations room inside the Defense Ministry just an hour after the attack, he asked rhetorically: Why was the Air Force late to respond? Where were the border guards that night?

Opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed Netanyahu’s remarks about extending the war and seizing all of Gaza, warning that this path would destroy Israel’s international standing and trap it in a long-term occupation with more soldier casualties and financial ruin. He accused Netanyahu of lying about “full coordination” with the United States, noting that even President Donald Trump has lost interest in him.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, said Netanyahu is “a man of words, not actions,” pointing out that despite 592 days since October 7, Hamas continues to fire rockets, carry out operations, and receive fuel and aid from Netanyahu’s government.

He added: “For years, Netanyahu built his image around opposing Iran’s nuclear program—and now under his leadership, Iran is closer than ever to becoming a nuclear power.”

Mounting External Pressure

Growing segments of Israeli society now blame Netanyahu and his government for what they describe as a political tsunami of global condemnation—particularly from Europe—though these threats remain mostly rhetorical so far.

Smadar Perry, Arab affairs editor at Yedioth Ahronoth, wrote that Israel is isolating itself by continuing a war with no objective and losing the media narrative. She remarked that propaganda cannot outpace the horrifying images from Gaza flooding social media and global platforms.

A War With No Purpose

Military analyst Avi Issacharoff argued that Israel’s current operations in Gaza are futile: Hamas remains resilient, has not surrendered, and still holds hostages. He warned, “We are repeating failed experiments. Operation Gideon’s Chariots won’t achieve what the war has failed to so far. This is a political war led by Netanyahu’s government.”

Top military analyst Ron Ben-Yishai echoed this sentiment in his article titled “Time Is Not on Our Side,” urging an immediate ceasefire and a hostage deal. He noted that the effectiveness of military pressure is fading, Hamas is preparing for guerrilla warfare, and civilian suffering in Gaza is worsening.

“A Leper State”

In a rare, piercing editorial, Haaretz declared that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza and that the war must end now. It warned that if Israel continues, it will become a global pariah, a “leper state,” hated and isolated. The paper called on Israelis to speak out in favor of a ceasefire and hostage deal—before the world does it for them.

A Haaretz cartoon drives this point home, depicting Israeli ministers in a “Hobby Corner” booth, each proclaiming their personal pastime:

• Smotrich: “Destroying what’s left of Gaza.”

• Ben Gvir: “Bombing and starving.”

• Eliyahu: “Dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza.”

• MK Sukkot: “Killing 100 a day in Gaza.”

• MK Gottlieb: “Ignoring freed hostages with brainwashing trauma.”

Gideon Levy: “Well Done, IDF?”

In a brutally honest piece titled “All the Respect to the IDF,” columnist Gideon Levy challenges the myth that the military is merely following orders. He asserts that the army itself is driving a criminal, aimless war against defenseless refugees and displaced people in Gaza who have nowhere to hide. “To exonerate the army is cowardice or deceit—or both,” he writes.

Cigar and Champagne

A biting cartoon in Yedioth Ahronoth shows Netanyahu holding a Cuban cigar in one hand and a pink French champagne flute in the other while watching a screen listing European countries condemning Israel: the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, France, and Malta.

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom warns that Israel stands at a crossroads, speculating whether Arab states may pressure Trump to finally tell Netanyahu: “Enough.”

As Netanyahu continues his populist campaign to extend the war and cement his grip on power, Israel’s internal political rift deepens. Two rival camps now battle over the very soul and future of the country—one that has become synonymous with war crimes, fascism, racism, and hate speech.

Today’s Yedioth Ahronoth front page summed it up in one stark headline:
“The Clashes Return.”